Molting and injured chicken

[FLXCHIX]

I have hen that is having her first molt and it’s a real doozy. I noticed today she is limping a bit and to top it off being bullied. Because you’re not supposed to handle a molting chicken, due to the pain of the new feathers coming in, I don’t know how to separate from the rest of the flock. I was going to put her in our shed, but she just wanted to get in The coop and was frantic to get in, even though she was getting knocked off the perch. So, I‘m dealing with a molting, injured and bullied bird. I don’t know what to do. They are all settled finally, but it is heartbreaking to see her getting knocked off at night when she just wants to sleep. Anybody have thoughts?

 

[Crazy Maizie]

You can still pick her up if needed. They dont like to be touched, but that doesn't mean you cant pick her up to inspect her.
I would definitely check her limp out. Is the bullying drawing blood? Where is she in the pecking order?

 

[FLXCHIX]

Thanks for your reply. She is doing much better. No limp anymore, I think she just bruised her leg or something. She is low on the chicken pole..lol. No blood being draw. I’m watching that closely.She has been ostracized from the flock, which I don’t know if that is normal, but hopefully temporary. She is eating better. ,asking sure she gets enough protein.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Thanks for your reply. She is doing much better. No limp anymore, I think she just bruised her leg or something. She is low on the chicken pole..lol. No blood being draw. I’m watching that closely.She has been ostracized from the flock, which I don’t know if that is normal, but hopefully temporary. She is eating better. ,asking sure she gets enough protein.

That's good to hear. What breed of chicken is she? Are there others the same size and type? Chickens can be so fickle, you may never know why they do the things they do.

 

[micstrachan]

I recently had a molting hen get ataxic (walking like she was drunk). Baby bird formula spiked with poultry vitamins did the trick. Your girl may also need a heat source.

If she is being bullied off the roost, she may also be getting bullied off feed. Can you pull her aside for some private feedings?

 

[FLXCHIX]

That's good to hear. What breed of chicken is she? Are there others the same size and type? Chickens can be so fickle, you may never know why they do the things they do.

I’m actually not sure of her breed. I’ll attach a pictur. She came from a farm with many different breeds, so probably a mutt. she is the largest by far.

 

[FLXCHIX]

I recently had a molting hen get ataxic (walking like she was drunk). Baby bird formula spiked with poultry vitamins did the trick. Your girl may also need a heat source.

If she is being bullied off the roost, she may also be getting bullied off feed. Can you pull her aside for some private feedings?

She is much better now. The flock seems to be allowing her back in. She is getting private feedings of supreme quality. thank you

 

[Crazy Maizie]

I’m actually not sure of her breed. I’ll attach a pictur. She came from a farm with many different breeds, so probably a mutt. she is the largest by far.

She's pretty.

 

[micstrachan]

She is much better now. The flock seems to be allowing her back in. She is getting private feedings of supreme quality. thank you

Thanks for the wonderful update!

 

[Bonnie in western WA]

I’m actually not sure of her breed. I’ll attach a pictur. She came from a farm with many different breeds, so probably a mutt. she is the largest by far.

She looks like my New Hampshire Red. Redish feathers with a good shine.